The Fundación Arquitectura Contemporánea is holding a Competition for Ideas for the construction of its future head offices and the San Pablo block in Cordoba, Spain. The new building is visioned as a public spot for interaction, debates, exhibitions and promotion of architecture. José Marini Bragança and Maria Helena Veludo have entered the competition and this is their proposal, which has been presented in phase 1.

The San Pablo Block proposal settles in a contemporary recreation, distinguishing the historical context with a more contemporary look, giving the site new spaces and functionalities. A big advantage that is required is to make a pedestrian connection between the block’s interior and the main squares of the city.

Challenge: The client wants to construct a public platform from which the cultural debate pertaining to Contemporary Architecture can be broadened through the Fundación’s activities and their projection into public space.

A certain liberal quality is required for the competition. Fundación Arquitectura Contemporánea requires a response to the shortcomings of San Pablo block's urban environment, where other institutions are located related to culture, as the Office of Culture of the Andalusian.

The interior needs a vital conversion, which makes it transform into a public space that is keenly accessible by citizens. This involves respecting its relationship with the archaeological remains of the site.

Here's José Marini Bragança and Maria Helena Veludo's Concept:

The building develops itself around a pier where the entire structure circulates without touching the ground. This pier is meant to be a time nilometer in memory to its ancient use as a measurer of water level. This central point of SFAC will also be the main point of connection between the urban structures above and under soil.

Inside the interior there are several space-containers of different extensions and raisings which are connected by platforms, galleries and stairs. The building is meant to develop sight sequences in its interior and from the exterior.

The material is white concrete.

Collaboration: Silvia Costa and João Lopes
Landscaping: NPK – José Veludo e Leonor Cheis
Project year: 2010
3D Drawings: Formiga do Design
Photographs: JMB

If you're further interested in the competition, click here!